Joe Kool's — Restaurant in Ontario

I am honestly upset that I even have to make this review because I have enjoyed going to Joe Kools for awhile now but my most recent experience has left a sour taste in my mouth and I will never be returning. To begin, I am 100% going to take accountability for the fact that I had too much to drink and I am not making any excuses for it, however, this is a bar atmosphere so you would assume their staff are better equipped and trained to handle intoxicated people in other ways than harassment. My friend and I went into the washroom and entered the same stall together because I needed to throw up, mind you, there was NO security to be found in the washroom at this time, so it wasn’t an issue. I know the one person per stall rule but there was no one there to enforce it and I thought perhaps extenuating circumstances allowed for a little understanding and leeway but god was I ever wrong. After 10 minutes we exit the stall and the security guard instructs me that I need to leave to which I put up no fight because that was my plan all along. My friend and I then proceeded to leave the bathroom and she essentially chased us out even though we 100% complied with her order. I was making my way up the stairs thinking my friend was right behind me but the guard had begun interrogating her about why we were in the stall together when she clearly knew it was because I wasn’t feeling well, she definitely saw my knees on the ground and the backs of my shows so she knew exactly why my friend had come in the stall with me. I somehow managed to get in the Uber home without my friend, had security actually done their job and ensured the safety of their patrons that guard would have let my friend leave with me because you don’t leave drunk people alone. The guard then starts yelling at my friend before giving her a chance to explain herself and then brings her to a small room and instructs her to stay there and my friend asks her if she can call me to make sure I’m okay and the guard answers with “she seemed fine she left by herself”. A male guard then comes into the room where my friend has been essentially detained by someone who has absolutely no authority nor grounds to do such a thing, and tells her she’s able to leave after asking her why she was in there. I think what makes this situation even scarier is the fact that this is a woman’s washroom with a female security guard but in no way is it a safe space for women whatsoever, because the guard feels the need to intimidate girls. I have read other reviews similar to mine so I know this is not a one off experience and it disappoints me that Joe Kool’s has no interest in giving their employees adequate training, it seems like even basic smart serve principles about dealing with and identifying signs of intoxication go out the window once you get into that washroom. It’s not about safety,...

I was at Joe Kool's with my family the first week of June 2023. The last time I was at Joe Kool's was 33 years ago during my graduation ceremony from the University of Western Ontario.

My trip back to my old hometown London, Ontario -- and in the process of Joe Kool's - was meant to show my two boys the place that shaped me to become who I am today. More importantly, Joe Kool's gave me my first job in 1986 - as a newly arrived 19-years old Immigrant with limited conversational English -- and in the process Joe Kool's supported me in my quest to graduate from Western with a Computer Science [Honors] degree in 1990. And the rest is history.. to be told in my memoir.

Why I am writing this long review is because - one of the biggest surprises my life happened during this June 2023 visit to Joe Kool's and London, Ontario.

After checking in at our hotel - the Delta Hotels London Armouries - I asked my family to hurry - and "let us go to Joe Kool's." It was around 5:00 PM on Wed, June 8th.

I drove my family for early dinner to Joe Kool's because I wanted to show them the amazing venue and food I still remember - before it gets busy in the evening.

While sitting and reminiscing the venue, and in the process enjoying the Joe Kool's Nachos with my family -- I noticed an amazingly familiar man. I asked the waitress if she knew who that person was - and she said - yes, that is Mike Smith.

This is a man who I last saw 33 years ago - the founder and owner of Joe Kool's. I went to say hello - and he said, "Michael!!" - emotional hugs, etc... I introduced him to my family, etc... - and then another unthinkable thing happens.

Mike showed me a man sitting at the bar - older with white hair and beard - but a very familiar smile and face. And yes, it was Ross Cockburn - my mentor who taught me how to become the best dishwasher and then got me promoted to become a bus boy and then a host at Joe Kool's.

The chances of both Mike and Ross being at the Restaurant - 33 years later and coincidently meeting my wife and my two boys -- at the place who shaped my future -- was surreal and an emotional moment for all of us.

And you thought the story ends here... not yet. Thanks to Mike's and his wife Anne - they threw me a dinner party at their house the next day - and to my surprise - they invited my boss at Joe Kool's - Scot Crawford - whom I saw last 33 years ago.

Let me pause here... and I would like to say..... Thank you, Joe Kool's, Mike, Ross, Scot, and my classmate at Western Mike Cookson - for an amazing homecoming!!

I plan to return back to Joe Kool's during its 41st anniversary week, March 1-7, 2024 - to celebrate with my [reconnected]...

Joe Kool’s is easily one of the best clubs in London to hang out on a Friday or Saturday night. The atmosphere is always buzzing, the crowd is lively, and the music keeps the energy going till late. It’s almost always jam-packed on weekends, which adds to the fun vibe if you’re looking to socialize and enjoy a proper night out.

The servers are amazing—quick, attentive, and friendly even when the place is packed. The bouncers also deserve a shout-out: they mind their own business and are very respectful as long as you maintain the decorum and act friendly yourself, which is refreshing compared to many other clubs. Drinks are pretty standard priced about the same as anywhere else in town.

I haven’t tried the food here because my personal recommendation is to get your stomach filled at Chuck’s Roadhouse right next door, which is a solid 5/5 spot especially after 9 pm. Joe Kool’s is more of a go-to for the drinks, music, and weekend nightlife experience.

One small downside: the front area can feel really congested when it’s packed, and because it’s narrow, it sometimes gets a bit claustrophobic for people trying to move in and out. Once you’re inside and settled, though, the overall vibe makes up for it.

Overall, if you’re in London and want a guaranteed fun Friday or Saturday night out, Joe Kool’s is the place. Just be ready for crowds, line-ups, and lots of energy. Definitely a 4/5...